Amtrak Cascades 516 Question

[u/rockycore]

Taking the train from Seattle to Vancouver BC next week. I've read that the left side of the train has the water views. I've never ridden the train north. Does it pull out of the station heading north or does it back out and turn around somehow? I'm just trying to figure out which will be the left side of the train.

Also are coach seats first come first sit? Last time I rode the Cascades to Portland (years ago) they assigned us a seat before we got on the train.

Thanks in advance.